Je Suis Paris

How do I start a blog post about a topic where I struggle to find words? Last Friday’s Paris attacks have left me speechless, motionless, sad, worried, angry. Paris is an important city in my life, I also call it a second home. Many people I love live there, people I care about and people I was worried about when I learned the dreadful news on Friday evening. Once I knew everyone was ok, I expected relief. But that moment of relief lasted but a second. I was numb while watching the news, hearing details I did not want to hear, seeing places I know and did not want to see in this context – and one thought circled my mind: My friends could have been there. I could have been there (in fact I passed two of the locations just last weekend). In fact, anyone of us could have been there. What’s wrong with the world we live in?

I started this blog post two days ago but I was unable to finish it. I needed a few more days of ’emotional distance’ to recuperate my mind. I am terrified for what happened not only in Paris – this happens all the time at places we little know. And our media care little. It was only after the Paris attacks that I heard of similar attacks in Beirut. I am terrified for the people suffering, people who lost their beloved ones through such perfidious, coward attacks. And I realized that this is not a story about Paris even though Paris has been affected so much this year. This is about all of us. About our lives, our choices, our freedom. It scares me to think of this as a sort of third world war that knows no battlegrounds but targets our daily lives. And I ask myself: Will I be scared to travel in future? Will I be afraid next time I am in Paris? Will I go out and have dinner in the 11th arrondissement? Will I go and see a show in a Paris theatre?

For me there can only be one answer to that question: No, I will not let terror define my life and my lifestyle.I will not be scared. And Paris will remain my city of choice and the place where I will return constantly. It is home to people I love and I love the city as a whole. It is a city that celebrates life, it is not a city defined by terror. And it will not be. I am deeply sorry for the people who lost someone beloved, for them this will leave a mark for life, but it is up to us to stand against this terror. We must not give in. We must be stronger and we will be. Paris will be stronger. Beirut will be stronger. Any city struck by cowards will be stronger.

It is hard to go back to normal life, to a daily routine while the thoughts keep circulating around the recent events. But I believe in a better future. For the sake of all of us. And I want to close this blog post with a great quote I have seen recently, one by Martin Luther King, Jr. It speaks from my heart: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

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24 Comments

I don’t even know how to soothe you as I don’t even know how to soothe myself. It’s something that concerns us all. I 100% agree with you that we have to continue to live our beautiful lives and let nobody take our laughs and freedom.

Well said Igor. I agree with you. I used to live there as well (although for a short period of time) and find these events extremely sad and disturbing but will NEVER EVER give in to terror. All the best, Pia

I love your pictures as usual! Bravo for this post and for your words. I don’t have the strength to do the same. They won’t take away our freedom to live but it still hurts it could happen in those streets and places we used to walk to when in Paris. I hope all your friends are safe. xoxo

Merci Ilaria! I am still in a sort of bubble where I am struggling to believe this actually happened. I mean this is the area we all go to. This is the area I went to last week. It is scary but it must not define our life. That is for sure! Luckily all my friends are ok, I hope all your friends are safe too!

Oh Igor… Keeping the beautiful pictures, allowing for a virtual visit to a city I love & need to / will return to, as much as the words that speak from your heart quoted in the end, close to my heart to.

PARIS est éternelle ! vive la France ! vive la liberté ! It was so horrible last friday but we must continue to blogging beautiful pictures and talks about all wonderful things in the world : decor, green plants, designers, flowers, artisans, travel …
Live, Love and pray for the victims …

Well said. I had the pleasure of visiting Paris a few years ago. It was my first time in Europe but definitely not my last! In fact, after watching the recent tragic events, I’m going to start planning my next trip! Live in fear? Not a chance!

It’s such a difficult thing to comprehend. And I battled with this the following day when I had to go into London. I was worried. And yes, to a point I thought that it would be better if I stayed away, just in case, but you can’t live life that way, that’s what they want. Paris is a city that I have as yet to visit, but it won’t keep me away, I can’t wait to walk its streets and fall in love with it as so many have and will continue to do. And I am glad that you and yours are safe and well. Very, very glad. X

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HAPPY INTERIOR BLOG is a place where you will find everything that inspires IGOR JOSIFOVIC for a happy home. Inspiring interiors and design, home decoration, travels and plants for Urban Jungle Bloggers are the focus of this blog. Inspiration in everyday life is the basis for beautiful interiors and home decor. HAPPY READING!